A Michigan appeals court ruled Thursday that former President Donald Trump can remain on the 2024 Republican presidential ballot in the state.
The decision affirmed two lower court decisions in a lawsuit against Trump based on the 14th Amendment.
Michigan appeals court rules Trump can stay on 2024 primary ballot https://t.co/DbMxMQt8Rw pic.twitter.com/wsnP0ZoapD
— The Hill (@thehill) December 15, 2023
"The court determined that the former president’s spot on the general election ballot was not ripe for consideration," the Hill reported.
“It would be improper to decide whether to grant a declaration that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President of the United States at this time,” the 3-0 opinion reads. “At the moment, the only event about to occur is the presidential primary election.”
Michigan appeals court rules Trump can stay on 2024 primary ballot https://t.co/DbMxMQt8Rw pic.twitter.com/wsnP0ZoapD
— The Hill (@thehill) December 15, 2023
"As the Court of Claims recognized, it would be improper to decide whether to grant a declaration that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President of the United States at this time," the court wrote, according to ABC News.
"At the moment, the only event about to occur is the presidential primary election. But as explained, whether Trump is disqualified is irrelevant to his placement on that particular ballot. Thus, with respect to the presidential primary election, there is no actual controversy, as the only purported basis for removing Trump from the presidential primary ballot would not be a sufficient basis for removal of Trump's name from that ballot," the court said.
Michigan appeals court rules Trump can stay on 2024 primary ballot https://t.co/qRaPidCGX7
— FOX 5 San Diego (@fox5sandiego) December 15, 2023
"Multiple challenges to Trump’s 2024 candidacy have been filed in numerous states, including Colorado and Minnesota. None have blocked him from the ballot yet," Fox 5 reported.
"Last month, a Colorado judge rejected an effort to bar Trump from the state’s primary ballot, deciding that the 14th Amendment’s wording does not specifically apply to the office of the president," it continued.
The news comes as polls show Trump leading President Joe Biden in Michigan and other swing states.
The former president also holds a large lead in polls over fellow GOP presidential candidates. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley continue to battle for second place.
The good news for Trump is another win for the former president as he looks to gain momentum ahead of next month's first primary in his comeback bid for the White House.
